If you’re looking for a perfect summer grilling recipe that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make, these Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers are exactly what you need. I’ve found that the combination of zesty lime, spicy chili, and succulent shrimp creates an irresistible flavor profile that’s perfect for both casual backyard barbecues and elegant outdoor dining.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined (16-20 count)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 limes (2 for juice, 1 for serving)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, juice from 2 limes, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shrimp to the marinade and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes (avoid marinating longer as the lime juice can start cooking the shrimp).
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F).
- Thread the marinated shrimp onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Clean and oil your grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marinade time)
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6-8 people
Recipe Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make your Chili Lime Grilled Shrimp Skewers perfect every time:
- Make sure your shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp – they’re done when they turn pink and form a “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked.
- For even cooking, try to choose shrimp that are similar in size.
- If you’re using an indoor grill pan, the cooking process remains the same, but you might need to work in batches.
- These skewers pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh summer salad.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To prevent the shrimp from spinning on the skewers, use two skewers parallel to each other for each row of shrimp.
